HGD Law Firm marked a major milestone this February, celebrating 20 years of excellence during its biannual firm-wide meeting—held this year on Fat Tuesday with a festive Mardi Gras theme. The February 17, 2026, gathering brought together all 15 attorneys and 30 support team members for a morning of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to serving clients with excellence.
As king cakes from the iconic Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans were shared and beads adorned conference tables, the celebration reflected more than just a theme. It embodied the spirit of HGD—community-focused, client-centered, and deeply committed to the people who make the firm what it is.
Celebrating 20 Years of HGD Law Firm
This year’s meeting was especially meaningful as HGD celebrates two decades of serving clients and communities with what the firm calls its “North Star”:
Excellent service. Zealous advocacy. Relentless commitment to our profession and to our community.
For 20 years, HGD has remained steadfast in its mission to provide white-glove legal service in personal injury and mass tort litigation. The firm’s growth—now 16 attorneys supported by a 30-person team—reflects both strategic leadership and an unwavering focus on client outcomes.
The biannual meeting served as an opportunity to pause, reflect on that journey, and look ahead to what’s next.
Honoring the Core Values That Define HGD
A central part of the morning included a review of HGD’s core values—who the firm is and who it aspires to be.
At HGD, those values are not just words on a wall. They guide every client interaction, every courtroom appearance, and every internal decision. The firm’s culture is built on being client-centered, integrity-driven, respectful, committed, leadership-oriented, and excellence-focused—values that shape the client experience from intake to resolution.
It’s that culture that allows HGD to deliver the level of service clients often describe as “white glove”—a seamless, supportive, and results-driven journey during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives.
Organizational Growth and New Team Members
The meeting also highlighted continued organizational growth. Michele Hill and Xhulia Musaraj were welcomed in their roles as PI Paralegal and Front Office Coordinator, respectively.
New roles were also celebrated across the firm:
- Eliza Gauldin, MT Client Intake Specialist
- Chanlyn Free, PI Paralegal
- Abigail King, MT Legal Assistant
- Kaye Ricco, MT Paralegal
Each of these team members represents HGD’s investment in building the right structure to serve clients at the highest level. Growth at HGD is intentional. As caseloads expand and client needs evolve, the firm continues to strengthen its team to ensure responsiveness, thoroughness, and personalized attention remain at the forefront.
Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries
Perhaps the most powerful part of the morning was recognizing the people who have shaped HGD over the past two decades.
Ten years of service were celebrated for Tzena Gauldin. Fifteen-year anniversaries were recognized for Caroline Hollingsworth, Ken Henry, and Amanda Williamson.
And in a truly remarkable moment, multiple team members were honored for 20 years of service—individuals who have been part of HGD since its earliest days.
Among them:
- Tim Davis – A servant leader whose integrity and humility define him. Thoughtful and thorough, Tim leads with quiet strength and purpose, leaving everyone he encounters better for having known him.
- Lew Garrison – A strategic thinker whose business acumen has shaped HGD’s growth and long-term success. His clarity and decisiveness have been foundational to the firm’s trajectory.
- Erik Heninger – A forward-thinking leader known for pushing processes forward and challenging the status quo in ways that ultimately strengthen the firm.
- Steve Heninger – A respected courtroom presence whose wisdom, wit, and legal knowledge have earned admiration from colleagues and clients alike.
- Cheryl Thomas – Dependable and steady, a constant presence who keeps operations running smoothly.
- Lisa Mann – A bright light in the office who embodies kindness and respect while sharing her deep knowledge generously.
- Bill Bross – Incredibly reliable and calm under pressure, carrying immense responsibility with patience and care.
- Callen Sparrow – A true gentleman with a sharp wit, bringing both levity and professionalism to the firm’s culture.
- Chris Hood – Thoughtful and quick on his feet, always ready with the right response at the right time.
- Honza Prchal – A positive, ever-helpful presence who brings energy and perspective to the team each day.
Their combined leadership, loyalty, and dedication have built the foundation on which HGD stands today.
Onward and Upward in 2026
The meeting concluded with a simple but powerful message: Onward and Upward—2026.
As HGD enters its third decade, the firm remains focused on what matters most—serving clients with excellence, advocating zealously, and honoring the trust placed in them by individuals and families navigating life-altering injuries.
The Mardi Gras theme and king cakes added celebration to the morning. But at its core, the gathering was about people—about the team that shows up every day ready to fight for the best possible outcome for every client.
For 20 years, HGD Law Firm has combined legal acumen with genuine care. With 16 attorneys and a 30-member support team united by shared values and purpose, the firm is poised for continued growth, deeper impact, and even greater service in the years ahead.
Here’s to the next chapter.
